Winter 1700 - 1739

Louis Desplaces created this print, titled 'Winter', in France in the early 18th century using engraving. It is an allegorical representation of winter, but what can we say about the social and institutional context that shaped this kind of image? We see a female figure, likely a personification of Winter, surrounded by cherubs and a lion, near a brazier. The inscription at the bottom, in French, speaks of winter's cold being warmed by love or divine will. This print was produced during the reign of Louis XIV, a period characterized by the consolidation of royal power and the flourishing of the French Academy. The Academy played a crucial role in defining artistic standards and promoting a particular vision of French art, and also promoted prints like this to disseminate particular political messages. Prints were a way of broadcasting idealized images of French society, and allegories were popular, as were subtle references to the idea of royal power. To fully understand this image, one might consult archives from the French Royal Academy. Remember, the meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.